Talosian Chronicles 5: Raptor Squadron Read Online Free Page B

would almost have to be, in order to handle the massive and diverse reports they receive and analyze. The Pit, as they call it, is always busy. It's the main situation room for the Intel Branch. It's built like a huge NASA control center and in some cases, functions the same way. ““However, it can split apart to handle multiple situations at one time. Which is how it had been working until the Empire changed tactics." She chuckled. "They already have a request in for one of our AI. They've long dreamed of an AI that can make the needed leaps of logic that shadow ops requires."
    "I didn't know they made the request. What race did they ask it be designed for?" Ian asked.
    "Surprisingly enough, they asked for human. Admiral Djolet told me it really didn't matter what appearance it had, that its function is what is important. She is one scary, smart Ferran. Even the Croanians don't argue with her," Chloe finished.
    "Will Raptor Command be transferred to the Intel Branch then?" Ty Anders asked.
    Ian shook his head. "No, H'joles was very clear on that. Over-all command of all Raptor teams will remain with us. Even the ones assigned to fleets. Once a soldier is assigned to a Raptor, they become ours. Granted, the teams will be assigned out to fleets most of the time, but we retain final authority over them. We can develop special units for the Intel Branch that have the sole purpose of gathering intelligence, giving them special equipment and the like; but I don't see them as being combat units, more like spy ships."
    "So, what's going to happen when we return to Sol Sector?" Belirus asked.
    "We prepare for a mission. We still have a date with Hyperion," Ian said simply.
    Belirus cocked his head to one side. "Won't that prompt the Empire to send their fleets there to stop you?"
    Ian grinned evilly. "Let's hope so."
     
     
    American Airspace
    Spaceport America
    Upham, New Mexico
    Earth, Sol Sector
     
     
    "Spaceport America, this is Terran flight three-four-niner. Request landing clearance, over."
    "Terran flight three-four-niner, you are ordered to alter course and land at Holloman Air Force Base for inspection. Your landing clearances have been revoked," the controller replied.
    "Yeah, that's not going to happen. Why have you revoked our clearance?" the pilot asked.
    "Your clearance has been revoked by the Transportation Safety Administration and the Office of Homeland Security," another, more official and pompous voice was heard.
    "On what grounds? We were given clearance by the FAA by order of the President of the United States," the pilot replied.
    "We have it on good authority that you have been providing transportation to individuals in foreign countries that are on the terror watch list. Therefore, your clearance is now suspended, pending a full investigation by the Office of Homeland Security. You are hereby ordered to land at Holloman Air Force Base or you will be forced there," the pompous official replied.
    "First off, I am presently empty. There is no one on this flight but the flight crew. Secondly, this ship is not used in other countries. Thirdly, no one on the terror watch list would be gaining passage to any of our facilities on any of our craft. Finally, you can't force us to do anything. We have complied with every one of your dumb-assed, inane rules. I have a load of passengers waiting for transportation up to the moon. Do you really want to turn this into an incident?" the pilot replied.
    "I take it you intend not to comply with this order then? Fine, we are launching fighters to escort you to this base immediately. If you resist, they have orders to blow you out of the sky. Do you understand that, Flight three-four-nine?" the jerk replied.
    "You idiots from Intelligence certainly didn't earn your names did you?" the pilot replied. "Spaceport America control, flight three-four-niner is reversing course and leaving the atmosphere until someone clears this mess up. Sorry you got put in this position, Jerry,"